What is Zen Deism?

So in this episode, I just want to give you a quick, brief summary of what Zen Deism is, and what it means, and And so I'll do that with the Eight Affirmations of Zen Deism, which you can find on the website zendeism.org.

These Eight Affirmations are starting points for a Zen Deist way of seeing, not rules to obey or doctrines to defend.

We hold them as our best current understanding, while remaining open to questioning and change.

Anyone may take them up freely, adapt them or set them aside, No person or institution should dictate another's beliefs.

Each of us is responsible for shaping and cultivating our own spiritual life.

So what are these eight affirmations? The first one, Zen Deism is a rational spiritual worldview that updates Deism through the insights of Eastern Wisdom, Western Philosophy, and Contemplative Science.

Two, truth is our highest authority.

We reject claims of scriptural infallibility and rely on reason, evidence, and experience to guide our beliefs, which remain open to revision.

Third, God is infinite consciousness, the unconditioned, eternal, and transcendent good, the transpersonal source and ground of all existence, worthy of our highest reverence.

4.

The cosmos is an evolving process of consciousness and matter in motion, governed by immutable natural and moral laws.

5.

All people have a moral obligation to practice universal benevolence and forsake selfishness.

6.

After death, individual consciousness is reborn according to karma until it attains liberation.

7.

Spiritual practices are essential to developing our character and deepening our spiritual awakening.

8.

Mystical experiences are an important part of our spiritual journey into God.